My iPad and Me: A Love Story (Sort Of)

Let's be honest, I wasn't exactly thrilled when my boss announced everyone was getting iPads for work. I'm old school—give me a good ol' fashioned notebook and pen any day! But then I actually started using the thing... and well, let's just say I'm a convert. It’s revolutionized how I get things done. So, I thought I'd share some of the accessories that made the whole iPad experience actually enjoyable. Because let’s be real, it's not all rainbows and sunshine without a little help.

What about you? Have you found the iPad to be a productivity powerhouse? Or is it more like a fancy digital notepad that’s mostly used for scrolling through social media? Let me know in the comments!

The Keyboard That Changed My Life (Okay, maybe not my whole life, but my workday!)

I’m a firm believer that a good keyboard is essential for any productive workflow, regardless of whether you are using a desktop computer or a tablet. And trust me, the standard iPad keyboard just won't cut it for serious work. I tried, and it was awful. My fingers ached, my typing was atrocious, and my emails were littered with typos... not a good look for a professional. Then I found the Logitech Slim Folio. It’s lightweight, yet protective, feels sturdy, and has a surprisingly comfortable typing experience, and it's what changed my iPad game. I was actually able to get real work done without wanting to throw the thing across the room (seriously, I almost did!).

Apple Pencil: More Than Just a Pretty Face

Before I got an Apple Pencil, note-taking on my iPad was a painful exercise in frustration. But now? It’s so seamless and efficient. I love using the Apple Pencil for meetings, brainstorming sessions, and even sketching out quick designs. It feels natural, almost like writing on paper. However, I did have to get used to it, there is a little learning curve to master the pressure sensitivity. I've found it really comes in handy for taking quick notes in meetings – much faster than using the on-screen keyboard, which sometimes gives me trouble during those fast paced meetings! And let's be honest, it just looks super cool. Plus, less paper waste is a major plus for me and the planet!

The Power of a Portable Monitor (Because let's face it, that tiny iPad screen gets old fast)

Working solely on that little iPad screen can lead to headaches faster than you can say ‘eyestrain.’ To get my work done, I absolutely needed a second screen. The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV is a game changer. It’s super portable, I can easily toss it in my bag, but it adds so much workspace without weighing me down. Now I can have my notes, reference materials, and email all up at once without having to switch back and forth – it's been a life-saver for those long days of work. The best investment ever for my iPad work setup, seriously!

External Hard Drives: Backing Up Your Digital Life

I'm a big believer in regular backups (especially after I lost a whole bunch of work once – not a fun experience). So, I bought a portable hard drive to keep all my precious files safely tucked away. A SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD makes sure that my important projects are always protected. You might not need it immediately, but trust me, you'll be glad you have one when disaster strikes. I highly recommend investing in one, even if you only use it once a year.

Other Accessories I Can't Live Without

• A good case: I use a Speck Presidio2 case—it protects my iPad from drops and bumps (which, let's face it, happen a lot more than you would think). And it also looks great!
• A Bluetooth mouse: The Logitech MX Anywhere 3 is my choice. It allows for precise cursor control, which is important for when you need that little bit of precision editing. For long hours, that precision and comfort is paramount.
• A screen protector: It’s a small detail, but worth it. It'll save you from dealing with annoying scratches and it helps to preserve the beauty of your iPad.

What about you? What are your favorite iPad accessories?